As with many pregnancy related ailments, your hormones are probably to blame. Your body is producing much more of the hormone progesterone, and this causes the smooth muscle in the bowels to relax. That, in turn, means that food is processed slower, and can result in constipation.
Your womb, and the baby, are also growing, and pressing your stomach upward, making the problem worse. For many women, straining with constipation can also lead to other problems, like haemorrhoids, so it’s definitely worth solving the problem!
The first step in preventing and treating constipation is to stay hydrated. Make sure you are drinking enough water every day. Also, ensure that you are eating enough fibre – that means whole grain cereals, fruit, and vegetables. If you still find yourself struggling with constipation, then an over the counter medication may help, but make sure you check with your doctor which ones are safe to take while pregnant. Also, avoid any oils, enemas, and suppositories until you have cleared them with your doctor.
Your womb, and the baby, are also growing, and pressing your stomach upward, making the problem worse. For many women, straining with constipation can also lead to other problems, like haemorrhoids, so it’s definitely worth solving the problem!
The first step in preventing and treating constipation is to stay hydrated. Make sure you are drinking enough water every day. Also, ensure that you are eating enough fibre – that means whole grain cereals, fruit, and vegetables. If you still find yourself struggling with constipation, then an over the counter medication may help, but make sure you check with your doctor which ones are safe to take while pregnant. Also, avoid any oils, enemas, and suppositories until you have cleared them with your doctor.
